Charlevoix County Public Records / Charlevoix County Arrest Records

Charlevoix County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Charlevoix County in 2026

CharlevoixRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Charlevoix County, Michigan. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, mugshots, bond information, criminal history summaries, and court case filings. Information presented reflects what has been reported by law enforcement agencies and may not capture subsequent case outcomes.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county jail. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office.

Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office
1000 Grant Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-4461
Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office

The jail roster is updated as bookings occur and reflects current custody status. Search capabilities include name-based lookups and booking number queries. The roster displays charges, bond amounts, and booking dates for individuals currently in custody.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments operate within Charlevoix County and maintain their own arrest logs and press release archives.

Charlevoix Police Department
210 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-3312
Charlevoix Police Department

Boyne City Police Department
319 North Lake Street
Boyne City, MI 49712
Phone: (231) 582-6611

East Jordan Police Department
201 Main Street
East Jordan, MI 49727
Phone: (231) 536-2014

Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published by these departments and may be accessed through their respective websites or through local media outlets.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings. Members of the public may search for associated criminal cases through the Michigan courts system.

Charlevoix County Clerk of Court
203 Antrim Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7200
Charlevoix County Clerk

The Michigan Courts Case Search portal allows name-based searches to locate criminal case filings associated with an arrest. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions are accessible through this system.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Michigan State Police maintains the ICHAT criminal history search system, which allows members of the public to search criminal history record information maintained by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center. ICHAT returns conviction records and arrest data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee of $10.00 per search applies for public requests submitted through the online portal.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 1000 Grant Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Records division is located within the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (231) 547-4461
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Charlevoix Police Department: 210 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 — (231) 547-3312
Records requests are submitted in writing or in person during business hours
Fees: $0.25 per page; prepayment may be required

Clerk of Court:

Address: 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Criminal records division is located on the main floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (231) 547-7200
Case file inspection is available during business hours at public access terminals
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for uncertified copies

By Mail:

Mailing address: Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office, 1000 Grant Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Written requests should include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Include a check or money order payable to Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office for applicable copy fees
Processing time: 5–10 business days from receipt of complete request

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (231) 547-4461
Limited information is available by phone; staff may confirm custody status and direct callers to appropriate resources
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information requires an in-person visit or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative files not available through standard public access
Discovery requests in active criminal proceedings are governed by the Michigan Court Rules

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Charlevoix County

Arrest records in Charlevoix County are public records under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act, codified at MCL § 15.231 et seq., establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records fall within the category of public records subject to disclosure, reflecting the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Public safety awareness within communities
Journalism and investigative reporting
Academic and policy research
Background screening by employers and licensing agencies
Legal proceedings and civil litigation

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Michigan law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Michigan Constitution and MCL § 15.243 establish both the right of public access and the specific exemptions that protect privacy interests. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General members of the public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Michigan does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and carries different legal weight in employment and housing contexts.

What's in Charlevoix County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or Michigan State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Michigan statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arraignment
Court jurisdiction (District Court or Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed within the county
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges, where included in the booking record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted from public copies
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not available in the booking record
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Charlevoix County?

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office and the Charlevoix County Clerk of Court. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under MCL § 15.234, public bodies in Michigan may charge a fee that does not exceed the actual cost of copying, which includes the cost of labor and materials.

Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (per page)	$0.25
Certified copies (per page)	$1.00
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
ICHAT criminal history search (online)	$10.00 per search
Certification of records	$10.00 per document

Inspection of records at public access terminals is available at no charge
Search fees are not separately assessed by the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court for standard requests
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and money order payable to the applicable agency; some offices accept credit cards
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application demonstrating financial hardship
Fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record
The ICHAT online system operated by the Michigan State Police charges $10.00 per name search for public users; law enforcement agencies access the system at no charge

How To Delete Arrest Records in Charlevoix County

Michigan law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the setting aside of a conviction or arrest record, and sealing, which restricts access without full erasure. Expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act results in the setting aside of eligible convictions and arrests, effectively removing them from public view. Sealing is a narrower remedy applied in specific circumstances, such as juvenile records, and restricts access without necessarily destroying the underlying record.

Eligibility for Expungement in Michigan:

Individuals with one or more eligible convictions may petition for expungement after the applicable waiting period
Arrests that did not result in conviction are eligible for expungement immediately or after a short waiting period
Certain offenses are categorically ineligible, including criminal sexual conduct in the first or second degree, felonies punishable by life imprisonment, and traffic offenses
Michigan's automatic expungement provisions, effective under the Clean Slate Act, apply to certain misdemeanors after seven years and certain felonies after ten years, provided no subsequent convictions have occurred

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record or conviction from the Charlevoix County Clerk of Court
Complete the Michigan Application to Set Aside Conviction (form MC 227), available through the Michigan courts system
File the completed petition with the Charlevoix County Circuit Court
Serve copies on the Michigan Attorney General's Office and the arresting law enforcement agency
Attend the scheduled hearing before the circuit court judge
If granted, the court issues an order setting aside the conviction or arrest record
The order is transmitted to the Michigan State Police for update of the state criminal history repository

Charlevoix County Circuit Court
301 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7200
Charlevoix County Circuit Court

Michigan State Police — Criminal Justice Information Center
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
Phone: (517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police

Individuals seeking expungement may also contact the Charlevoix County Public Defender's Office or a licensed Michigan attorney for assistance with the petition process.

What Happens After Arrest in Charlevoix County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Charlevoix County Jail for processing.

Charlevoix County Jail
1000 Grant Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-4461
Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office

Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Michigan law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. The initial appearance serves to:

Formally notify the individual of the charges
Determine eligibility for appointed counsel
Set bond or bail
Advise the individual of constitutional rights

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. The Charlevoix County 90th District Court handles initial appearances for most arrests within the county.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the magistrate or judge based on charge severity and individual circumstances

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Michigan law
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions within or outside Michigan
No-contact orders protecting named individuals
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours following payment
Personal property is returned upon release
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued and must be followed

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Charlevoix County Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointed representation through the Charlevoix County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income and asset criteria.

Charlevoix County Public Defender
301 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7200

Private Attorney:

Individuals retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Michigan provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the jail are conducted in confidential consultation rooms.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Charlevoix County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review process typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

File formal charges by Information
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute and close the matter
File different or additional charges beyond those listed at booking

Charlevoix County Prosecutor's Office
203 Antrim Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7207
Charlevoix County Prosecutor

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read, the defendant enters a plea, and court dates are scheduled. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for case review and negotiation. Arraignment occurs within a few days to weeks of the initial appearance.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring attorneys and the judge together to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal may support a subsequent expungement petition.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a sentencing recommendation.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution and defense present their cases, and a verdict is returned.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes sentence following conviction, which may include incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution to victims, community service, treatment programming, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Michigan Constitution and applicable court rules

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to appointed or retained counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against compelled self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1000 Grant Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-4461
Inmate information: (231) 547-4461
Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office

Charlevoix County Clerk of Court
203 Antrim Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7200
Charlevoix County Clerk

Charlevoix County Prosecutor's Office
203 Antrim Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7207
Charlevoix County Prosecutor

Charlevoix County Public Defender
301 State Street
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone: (231) 547-7200

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Charlevoix County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Charlevoix County is governed by Michigan state law, local agency policies, and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget records retention schedules. Under Michigan's records management framework, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, and destruction of records must be authorized and documented.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and Michigan State Police criminal history repository
Submitted to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index and retained at the federal level indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of several years; many agencies retain indefinitely in digital systems
State repository retains misdemeanor conviction records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of several years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository retains the arrest entry unless an expungement order is received

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement retains arrest records for several years
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of several years
Local arrest logs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement of the arrest record

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for several years
Often eligible for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the record retention period
Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of several years
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency policy
Court electronic records are retained permanently in most instances

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of several years; many retained indefinitely in digital systems
Arrest reports: Retained according to the Michigan records retention schedule
Investigative files: Retained based on offense classification and case outcome
Contact: (231) 547-4461

Police Departments:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained according to the Michigan records retention schedule
Retention periods may vary by department
Major departments in Charlevoix County include Charlevoix Police Department at (231) 547-3312 and Boyne City Police Department at (231) 582-6611

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of several years; electronic records often retained permanently
Traffic cases: Retained for several years
Electronic records: Retained permanently in most instances

State Repository:

The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains the state criminal history repository
The ICHAT criminal history search system reflects records submitted by all law enforcement agencies statewide
Retention policy follows state law and federal requirements

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is permanent for most entries
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all major databases
Reported on background checks indefinitely under federal law, subject to state-specific restrictions

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless expungement is granted
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks

Expungement:

Local records are sealed or destroyed following a court order
The Michigan State Police updates the state repository upon receipt of the expungement order
The FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
Removal from third-party databases varies and may require direct contact with those companies

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period applies
Records may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period
Immediate removal may be requested in certain circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster and the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
Updated in real time or on a daily basis

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Records may be stored in archives and subject to a retrieval fee
Processing time is longer for archived records

Very Old Arrests:

Records predating digital systems may exist only in paper form
Paper records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at (231) 547-4461 for information on specific historical records

Destruction of Records:

Destruction is authorized only after the applicable retention period has expired or following a court order
Expungement orders authorize destruction or sealing of designated records
Documentation of authorized destruction is maintained by the agency
Felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals are subject to permanent retention requirements

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks conducted through consumer reporting agencies are subject to FCRA limitations, which at present restrict reporting of most non-conviction information to seven years
Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
Michigan law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions
Arrests without conviction carry different legal weight and cannot be used as evidence of guilt

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (231) 547-4461
Submit a written public records request under MCL § 15.231 to obtain information about a specific arrest record
Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request